South-West states have tightened border security to block bandits fleeing military operations in Kwara after a surge of deadly attacks left dozens dead and communities displaced.
States in the South-West have intensified security following rising attacks and killings by suspected bandits and terrorists in Kwara State.
Security chiefs in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo confirmed to The PUNCH on Thursday that various containment plans had been activated to prevent infiltration by criminals fleeing ongoing military operations in Kwara.
Federal intelligence reports also indicated that the movement of terrorists from Kwara towards the South-West was being tracked at the highest level of government.
Recent weeks have seen deadly assaults in Kwara, including the September 29 killing of 12 forest guards and a traditional chief in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, and the abduction of residents in Edu and Patigi LGAs.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited Oke-Ode, condemned the killings, urged military reinforcement, and assured victims’ families of improved security.
In response, Amotekun commanders and police authorities across South-West states have deployed tactical teams, checkpoints, and border patrols. Oyo Amotekun chief Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) said, “By the grace of God, the corps is well-prepared for any such bandits’ attack.”
Ekiti’s security adviser, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), disclosed a coordinated regional operation to block bandits from entering the zone.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, offered to collaborate with Kwara in restoring peace, urging that perpetrators be brought to justice.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, stressed that Nigeria must “look for the bad guys and take them out,” calling for stronger regional cooperation and community support.